Sociology Plus
Definition
According to Max Weber’s four main types of social action, affective action is one of its constituents. It is a phrase used to describe actions done impulsively and without consideration. It is often referred to as emotional action, and according to Weber, it was more prevalent in premodern society when logic was less of a driving force behind the activity. Affectional and affectual actions are some more synonyms for this action.
Explanation
An affective action is motivated by feelings. Affective phenomena either result from or are impacted by feelings or emotions or have some other connection. Affective may also mean that something conveys feelings.
Instead of the intellectual consideration of means and aims, affective behavior is based on the individual’s emotional state. Human behavior is strongly motivated by emotions. There is no deliberate choice of methods and aims. The action is often nonetheless taken in the heat of the moment, even when the tactics used may not even accomplish the intended purpose.
The two subcategories of affective are uncontrolled response and emotional tension. There is no restraint or judgment in an unchecked response. A person who reacts out of control is less likely to prioritize other people’s emotions above their own. A fundamental notion that a person is unworthy or unable to realize their greatest ambitions is the source of emotional tension—internal turmoil results from unfulfilled goals. Staying productive in society is sometimes challenging due to an unsatisfied life. Because of the ideas at the heart of exchange theory, emotions are often overlooked. Behavioral and rational decision assumptions are frequent illustrations. Emotions and punishments are usually linked from the behavioral point of view.
Affective action combines the means with the goals, making it spontaneous and emotional. Such behavior is the opposite of reason since the involved actor cannot evaluate the link between the purposes of the activity and the purportedly available ways to achieve those purposes.
Example
During a game of cricket, a player loses his cool and strikes a member of the opposite team. He smashes the guy despite being aware that doing so would harm their team’s standing and maybe impact his career.